Author: Joe Webb

TBA Strategic Tech Summit

Join Us: Tennessee Bankers Association Innovation and Strategic Tech Summits

The SERO Group is excited to participate in the 2025 TBA Innovation and Strategic Tech Summits on April 10th and 11th in Franklin, TN. This event brings together banking professionals, technology leaders, and industry experts to discuss the future of banking and explore innovative solutions for financial institutions. With a rapidly changing landscape, banks need…
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SQL Server Downtime Prevent

The Impact of SQL Server Downtime (and How to Prevent It)

For many businesses, the availability and performance of SQL Server databases are paramount. Unplanned downtime can lead to significant financial losses, tarnished reputations, and regulatory repercussions. Understanding the costs associated with SQL Server downtime and exploring strategies to mitigate these risks is essential for those aiming to maintain operational resilience in 2025. Read on for…
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Replacement FFIEC CAT

Farewell, CAT: FFIEC Cybersecurity Tool Will Sunset This August

Banks’ Replacement Options for the FFIEC CAT Since 2015, the FFIEC CAT has helped financial institutions assess cybersecurity risks and maturity levels. However, the FFIEC recently announced that the CAT will sunset on August 31, 2025. Now, banks must determine the best alternative to ensure continued compliance and security. The FDIC’s official announcement encourages institutions…
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Database downtime cost

The True Costs of Database Downtime—and Why Modernization Can’t Wait

How to Build a Business Case for Modernization In today’s always-on business environment, database downtime isn’t just an inconvenience—it’s a direct hit to revenue, productivity, and customer trust. Despite this, many organizations delay modernization efforts due to perceived costs and complexity. However, the real question is: can your business afford not to modernize? Read on…
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Georgia Bankers Association Operations and Technology Conference

Visit Us at the Georgia Bankers Association Operations and Technology Conference!

If you’re attending the GBA Operations and Technology Conference, we’d love to meet you! This event is Georgia’s leading conference for bank operations and technology professionals, covering key topics like cybersecurity, payments, fintech partnerships, and vendor management. It’s a great opportunity to network, learn from industry experts, and explore new solutions to today’s banking challenges.…
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Best business books

The Best Business Books I Read in 2024

I read 50 to 60 books a year, a habit I’ve maintained for most of my life. Some of those are just-for-fun fiction books. Others are educational nonfiction books that give me glimpses into other disciplines or subjects. Still others, like the books I’ll share in this post, help me to improve in my various…
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DBA IT Audit 2025

10 Essential IT Audit Questions: The DBA’s Guide to SQL Server Compliance and Security in 2025

As 2025 kicks off, organizations are eagerly setting new goals. For DBAs, a top priority might be preparing thoroughly for the next IT audit. Whether planned or unplanned, an audit can significantly impact how others perceive your IT department’s reliability. A seamless audit highlights strong governance and dependable systems, while missteps can reveal vulnerabilities and…
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Happy holidays from the SERO Group

Cheers to a Joyful Holiday and a Bright New Year

As the year comes to an end, all of us at The SERO Group want to extend our warmest wishes to you. We hope that 2024 has been fulfilling and joyful and that you’ve had the opportunity to celebrate with your family and friends. The holiday season is a time for reflection and connection, and…
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Side-by-Side Upgrade

7 Reasons to Choose a Side-by-Side Upgrade for Your SQL Server

So, your Microsoft SQL Server is showing its age, and you need to upgrade it. What’s the best approach—an in-place upgrade or a side-by-side upgrade? For many businesses, especially those in industries like healthcare or banking, where reliability, security, and performance are non-negotiable, a side-by-side SQL Server upgrade is often the smarter choice. But first,…
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SQL preventive maintenance

Schedule Preventative Maintenance for SQL Server: Key Steps to Protect Your Database

“This SQL Server is critical. It’s used 24/7. So, we’re behind on patching, and we disabled our scheduled preventative maintenance jobs because they interfered with production. Our database is just too important to do that. We know that maintenance is important, but we just can’t.” Does that sound familiar? I hope not. It’s not a…
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